Mounting shelves with concealment means

ABSTRACT

The invention broadly comprises a bookshelf system including a pair of stacking members fixedly attached to a mounting member. The shelf system also includes at least two ledges disposed on the lower surface of the mounting member, such that the at least two ledges are operatively arranged to hold a book cover. The at least two ledges can be disposed proximate a joint formed at the intersection of the mounting member and the stacking member. In some embodiments, a pair of ledges may be disposed on each side of each pair of stacking members. In some aspects, the joint is reinforced. A mounting hole or a mounting structure can be disposed on the mounting member to provide a mounting element with which to hang the shelf.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates generally to a shelf, more specifically to abookshelf or towel shelf, and, more particularly, to a bookshelf ortowel shelf that includes at least two stacking members to hold books,towels and the like, is mountable on vertical surfaces and, when loadedwith books, towels or the like, conceals the support and mountingstructure of the shelf.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Mountable shelves are known in the art. Traditionally, wall mountedshelves use an integral tab that is secured to a wall with screws or asimilar attachment means. Shelves, such as bookshelves, have elementsthat are engineered to meet certain requirements. For instance, standardsized books have a cover that requires a horizontal shelf surface with awidth sufficient to accommodate the cover. Although the horizontal shelfsurface can take the form of various shapes, such as, circular,triangular, rectangular or an asymmetrical shape, bookshelvestraditionally have a flat surface that is close to the width of the bookthat is to be held.

Bookshelves or cases that are traditional cabinet-like designs are notas appropriate as wall-mounted shelving systems in situations wherefloor space is limited. Another factor that has motivates theinstallation of wall-mounted bookshelf units is a desire for more modernfurnishings. One problem with many current wall mounted bookshelves isthat they protrude from the wall and fail to hide unattractive mountingstructures and brackets. Efforts have been made to design wall mountedbookshelves that conceal the mounting structures, but with littlesuccess. Those shelving units that have tried to conceal mountingstructures, have done so by creating thick shelving surfaces that do notappeal to many consumers.

In addition, wall mounted bookshelves often have limited shelf space. Ifmore than one shelf unit is mounted on a wall, they will provide eithermore visibly unattractive mounting fixtures or more shelf units withthicker shelf surfaces.

Thus, there is a need for a shelf capable of holding books, towels, orsimilar articles in a manner that conceals the shelf and the mountingstructure of the shelf.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention broadly comprises a shelf system including a pair ofstacking members fixedly attached to a mounting member, wherein the pairof stacking members is roughly perpendicular to the mounting member, inwhich the pair of stacking members each has an upper surface and a lowersurface. The shelf system also includes at least two ledges disposed onthe lower surface of the mounting member, such that the at least twoledges are operatively arranged to hold a book cover. The at least twoledges can be disposed proximate a joint formed at the intersection ofthe mounting member and the stacking member. In some embodiments,wherein one of at least two ledges are disposed on said lower surface ofthe mounting member disposed proximate a joint formed at an intersectionof said mounting member and each of said pair of stacking members on afirst side of each of said pair of stacking members and one of said atleast two ledges is disposed on said lower surface disposed proximatesaid intersection on a second side of each of said pair of said stackingmembers. In some aspects, the joint is reinforced. A mounting hole or amounting structure can be disposed on the mounting member to provide amounting element with which to hang the shelf.

In some aspects the ledge is L-shaped and extends below the lowersurface. The mounting member can be trapezoidal, rectangular orsimilarly shaped. Each of the stacking members can be trapezoidal,rectangular or similarly shaped. The two stacking members may havedifferent shapes.

It is a general object of the present invention to provide a shelf thatcan hold and display books, towels, and other articles on a wall in amanner that conceals the shelf when books are stacked on the shelf.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a shelf thathas a cover holding ledge that can hold the cover of a book in a mannerthat conceals the shelf.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention will bereadily appreciable from the following description of preferredembodiments of the invention and from the accompanying drawings andclaims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The nature and mode of operation of the present invention will now bemore fully described in the following detailed description of theinvention taken with the accompanying drawing figures, in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a bookshelf system (“bookshelf”) of thepresent invention;

FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a left side view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of the bookshelf system shown in FIG. 1

FIG. 4A is a front elevation view of the bookshelf as in FIG. 4 withbooks stacked upon the stacking members;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 4, takengenerally at line 5-5 in FIG. 4A;

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a ledge of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the bookshelf shown in FIGS. 1-7,illustrating a book being placed into engagement on one of the stackingmembers;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the shelf shown in FIG. 8, exceptshowing a number of books being placed on the stacking member,illustrating how the shelf itself is being concealed by the books;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 9, except showinghow the stacking members are both completely concealed by a number ofbooks loaded on the stacking members;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the bookshelf ofthe invention, this bookshelf especially designed and appropriate forholding and displaying articles such as towels;

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 is a right side view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the bookshelf shown in FIG. 11,illustrating how a towel would be placed into one of the stackingmembers;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 14, showing afirst towel placed on the stacking member, partially concealing thestacking member itself; and,

FIG. 16 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 15, except showingtwo towels placed on the stacking member, which towels would completelyconceal the stacking member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers ondifferent drawing views identify identical structural elements of theinvention. While the present invention is described with respect to whatis presently considered to be the preferred embodiments, it isunderstood that the invention is not limited to the disclosedembodiments. In the description below, the terms “top”, “bottom”,“upper”, “lower”, “front”, “back”, “rear”, “left”, “right”, and theirderivatives, should be interpreted from the perspective of one viewingthe invention shown in FIG. 1.

Furthermore, it is understood that this invention is not limited to theparticular methodology, materials and modifications described and assuch may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminologyused herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodimentsonly, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used hereinhave the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill inthe art to which this invention belongs. Although any methods, devicesor materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be usedin the practice or testing of the invention, the preferred methods,devices, and materials are now described. It should also be appreciatedthat the present invention comprises a shelf, specially designed suchthat its structure allows the holding and display of articles, such asbooks, towels and the like, while concealing the shelf itself. Twodifferent embodiments of the invention are illustrated, described andclaimed. The first embodiment, illustrated in FIGS. 1-10, is ideal forholding and displaying books, while the second embodiment, illustratedin FIGS. 11-16, is ideal for holding and displaying towels. Althoughthese respective embodiments are sometimes described as a bookshelf,towel shelf, or shelf, respectively, it should be appreciated that theseterms are used interchangeably, and are not intended to limit the scopeof the claims, and that the two disclosed embodiments are obviouslysuitable for holding and displaying a variety of articles.

In accordance with the present invention, FIG. 1 is a perspective viewof bookshelf system 10 (“bookshelf 10”) of the present invention, whichis comprised of mounting member 12, which is typically verticallyarranged, relative to a pair of stacking members 14, which are typicallyhorizontally arranged in a cantilevered orientation. Bookshelf 10 can beformed from a single piece of sheet steel, or similar material that ispressed into a mounting member 12 and stacking members 14, arranged atsubstantially a 90 degree angle to one another. Reinforcement members 18strengthen the joint between mounting member 12 and stacking members 14.Alternatively, bookshelf 10 and its various parts can be formed fromseparate pieces. The members can be made of metal, plastic, wood, orother materials. In a preferred embodiment, especially useful forholding books, stacking members 14 are trapezoidal in shape, and theheight B of mounting member 12 is approximately the same as the length Aof stacking member 14. Although the invention as claimed is not intendedto be limited to any particular dimensions, in a preferred embodimentespecially designed to hold books, A is approximately 130 mm; the heightB of mounting member 12 is approximately 30 mm; and length C of thehorizontal lip 24 of ledge 20 is approximately 3 mm.

Alternatively, mounting member 12 can be fixedly attached to stackingmembers 14 using a weld or an equivalent attachment means known to oneof ordinary skill in the art. Intersection 16, which is the region wheremounting member 12 and stacking members 14 meet, can be strengthened byreinforcement member 18 that can be crimped into mounting member 12 andstacking members 14, or attached as a strengthening structure orstrengthening weld.

Mounting member 12 has at least one aperture 26 that can be used as anattachment location. Additional apertures 26 can be disposed on mountingmember 12 at various locations. Apertures 26 can be round as depicted ornumerous other shapes, which includes, but is not limited to a keyholeshape. One possible alternative is to align multiple apertures 26 invertical or horizontal alignment to ensure that bookshelf 10 will beattached securely. In some aspects, mounting member 12 has a mountingstructure, which can include, but is not limited to a hanging apparatus,clip, hook, or similar apparatus to aid in hanging bookshelf 10 on avertical surface.

Mounting member 12, as shown, is generally rectangular shaped, but itshould be appreciated that other alternative shapes could also be used.Similarly, stacking members 14, as shown, is generally trapezoidal inshape, but it should be appreciated that other alternative shapes couldalso be used. The shapes of two stacking members 14 on the same mountingmember 12 may be different from each other.

Extending below intersection 16 on mounting member 12 is at least twoledges 20. Ledges 20 are shown attached to a lower portion or surface ofmounting member 12 proximate the rear perimeters of stacking members 14,proximate intersection 16, but ledge 20, or any variation of the ledge,can be attached at any other perimeter edge of stacking member 14, i.e.,the side or bottom perimeter edges. Preferably, a pair of ledges areplaced on either side of each stacking member 14 proximate the rearperimeters of stacking members 14. Ledge 20 has vertical section 22 anda horizontal lip 24. In a one embodiment, lip 24 has a length C which isapproximately 1/35 the length of stacking member 14. Lip 24 doesn't haveto be very long when the shelf is used as a bookshelf—merely long enoughto secure a book cover. A shorter length for the lip is preferred foraesthetic reasons, but not required for functionality. In some aspects,ledge 20 is formed from mounting member 12 by pressing vertical section22 and horizontal lip 24 into a portion of mounting member 12 proximateintersection 16. In such aspects, vertical section 22 is on the sameplane as mounting member 12 and is defined by a point beginningproximate intersection 16 and extends beyond intersection 16 tohorizontal lip 24. The length of vertical section 22 is determined bythe thickness of a typical book cover. However, given that book coversare not universal, e.g., soft cover and hard cover book covers are ofdifferent thicknesses, the length of vertical section 22 can be ofvarious lengths depending on the book cover that it is intended to hold.

Ledge 20 may be integral with mounting member 12, or it may be aseparate piece attached to mounting member 12 proximate intersection 16.Vertical section 22 and horizontal lip 24, individual components ofledge 20, can also be attached as separate components to mounting member12 using any attachment means known in the art.

FIG. 2 is a left side elevation view of bookshelf 10 of the presentinvention. The extension of ledge 20 below stacking member 14 is moreapparent. Also demonstrated in this view is the positioning andapproximate length of vertical section 22 in relation to intersection16, but it should be appreciated that ledge 20 can be of various sizesand shapes. Intersection 16 designates the upper reaches of verticalsection 22, while horizontal lip 24 designates the lower reaches ofvertical section 22. Horizontal lip 24 can be of various lengths toaccomplish the task of holding book covers. Horizontal lips 24 withshorter lengths and thinner widths tend to better hide any evidence ofbookshelf 10. Long and wide horizontal lips 24 tend to have more surfacearea showing, which can better secure a book cover. Ledge 20 andvertical section 22 and horizontal lip 24 can be constructed of pressedsteel or a similar material. However, if a substance that istranslucent, such as, but not limited to acrylic or another clearplastic, is used to construct ledge 20, it should be understood thatlonger and wider vertical section 22 and horizontal lip 24 can be usedwithout detracting from the objectives of bookshelf 10.

FIG. 3 is a right side elevation view of bookshelf 10, illustratingledge 20, vertical section 22 and horizontal lip 24.

FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of bookshelf 10. FIG. 4A is a frontelevation view of bookshelf 10 with books 30 stacked upon each stackingmember 14. Stacking members 14 and ledges 20 are shown in phantom viewto illustrate the ability of ledges 20 to hold a book cover 32 betweenthe lower surface of each of stacking members 14 and the upper surfaceof horizontal lips 24. The first book 30 to be stacked upon shelf 10 hascover 32 inserted into ledge 20 in such a manner that cover 32 abuts, orcomes close to abutting, vertical section 22, and outside surface 34 ofcover 32 rests upon horizontal lip 24. In this manner, cover 32 concealsstacking member 14 and a portion of mounting surface 12. Each successivebook that is stacked upon the first book will also conceal a portion ofmounting surface 12 until a sufficient number of books have been stackto conceal mounting surface 12 and bookshelf 10 entirely.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of bookshelf 10 shown in FIG. 4, takengenerally at line 5-5 in FIG. 4A. Cover 32 of book 30 is illustratedbelow stacking member 14, and lodged within ledge 20, which ispositioned on the right side of bookshelf 10. Generally, two ledges 20are positioned on each side of each stacking member 14 to ensure thatbook covers are held stably by each stacking member 14. In some aspects,ledge 20 can use one ledge centrally located or multiple ledges 20 canbe placed at strategic locations. In some aspects, a continuous ledge 20or ridge can be position at roughly the same location as the position ofattachment for ledge 20, i.e., proximate intersection 16. The continuousledge or ridge can be utilized and placed on bookshelf 10 similar to theway the ledges 20 have been characterized and described. Ledge 20retains the end of cover 32. More particularly, outer surface 34 ofcover 32 is trapped against horizontal lip 24. Leafing stacking member14 between pages 36 and cover 32 of the first book placed upon bookshelf10 enables stacking member 14 to support multiple books 30 in such amanner that stacking member 14 is completely concealed. Placing multiplebooks 30 on stacking member 14, which cumulatively reach a heightgreater than the height of mounting member 12, will also conceal atleast a portion of mounting member 12. Although the illustrations showbookshelf 10 with only two books 30 on shelf 10, it should be understoodthat many more books can be held on bookshelf 10, and that it ispreferable to place multiple books on shelf 10 to fully conceal theshelf. If a first book 30 has cover 32 placed within at least one ledge20, wherein cover 32 is placed on the bottom side of each stackingmember 14 and pages 36 are placed on the top side of stacking members14, with a sufficient number of books stacked upon this first book,generally entire bookshelf 10 will be concealed to give the appearancethat the shelved books are floating unaided. In a preferred embodiment,bookshelf will hold a cumulative weight of 30 pounds.

Bookshelf 10 can be attached to any vertical surface using anappropriate attachment means such as a screw, nail, or analogousfastening means. In some aspects, bookshelf 10 can omit apertures 26 andimplement an epoxy attachment means, or implement another alternativeattachment means, which can include, but is not limited to hooks, wire,clips and notches. Attachment to a vertical surface such as a wall isthe intended application, but bookshelf 10 can also be adapted forattachment to other surfaces as well.

FIG. 6 is a bottom view of bookshelf 10 shown in FIG. 4A with stackingmembers 14 and pages 36 drawn in phantom to demonstrate the spatialarrangement of the components of book 30 relative to shelf 10components. Cover 32 extends to the inside surface of ledge 20, withonly a small portion of outside surface 34 of cover 32 held within ledge20, specifically horizontal lip 24 of ledge 20.

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a ledge 20 of bookshelf 10 shown in FIG.5. This enlarged view captures the relationship of book cover 32 withledge 20. Insertion of cover 32 so that the outside surface 34 contactsthe upper surface of horizontal lip 24 enables ledge 20 to hold cover32.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of bookshelf 10 shown in FIGS. 1-7,illustrating a book being placed into engagement on stacking member 14.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of bookshelf 10 shown in FIG. 8, exceptshowing a number of books being placed on one stacking member 14,illustrating how bookshelf 10 itself is being concealed by books 30.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 9, except showinghow bookshelf 10 is completely or almost completely concealed by anumber of books 30 loaded onto each of stacking members 14.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a second embodiment of bookshelf 10 ofthe present invention, comprising mounting member 12, which is typicallyvertically arranged relative to stacking members 14, which are typicallyhorizontally arranged in a cantilevered orientation. Bookshelf 10 can beformed from a single piece of sheet steel, or similar material that ispressed into a mounting member 12 and stacking members 14, arranged atsubstantially a 90 degree angle to one another. Reinforcement members 18strengthen the joint between mounting member 12 and stacking member 14.Alternatively, bookshelf 10 and its various parts can be formed fromseparate pieces. The members can be made of metal, plastic, wood, orother materials. In a preferred embodiment, especially useful forholding towels, stacking members 14 may be rectangular in shape, and theheight B of mounting member 12 is approximately ⅓ the length A ofstacking member 14, as shown in FIG. 13. Also, in a preferred embodimentespecially useful for holding towels, lip 24 has a length C which isabout 40% of the length A. This longer length of lip 24 functions tobetter hold an end of a towel, as shown in FIG. 14. Although theinvention as claimed is not intended to be limited by dimensions, in apreferred second embodiment: the length A of stacking member 14 is about200 mm; the height B of mounting member 12 is about 60 mm; and thelength C of ledge 20 is about 85 mm.

FIG. 12 is a front elevation view of the bookshelf 10 shown in FIG. 11and FIG. 13 is a right side view of the shelf shown in FIG. 11.Structural elements of the invention shown in these views are identical,except for dimensions, to identically referenced elements illustrated inthe first embodiment.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view of the shelf shown in FIG. 11,illustrating how a towel 52 would be placed into the bookshelf 10, withsection 54 of the towel being held between ledge lip 24 and stackingmember 14.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 14, showing afirst towel 52 placed on bookshelf 10, partially concealing bookshelf 10itself.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view similar to that of FIG. 15, except showingtwo towels 52 placed on bookshelf 10. It can be seen that a similarstack of towels placed on the second (right hand side) stacking member14 seen in FIG. 16 completely or almost completely conceals bookshelf 10itself when viewed from the front.

Thus, it is seen that the objects of the invention are efficientlyobtained, although changes and modifications to the invention should bereadily apparent to those having ordinary skill in the art, withoutdeparting from the spirit or scope of the invention as claimed. Althoughthe invention is described by reference to a specific preferredembodiment, it is clear that variations can be made without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention as claimed.

1. A bookshelf system comprising: a pair of stacking members attached toa mounting member, wherein said pair of stacking members is roughlyperpendicular to said mounting member, said pair of stacking memberseach has an upper surface and a lower surface; and, at least two ledgesdisposed on a lower surface of said mounting member, wherein each ofsaid at least two ledges are operatively arranged to hold a book cover.2. The bookshelf system of claim 1, wherein each of said at least twoledges are disposed proximate a joint formed at an intersection of saidmounting member and each one of said pair of stacking members.
 3. Thebookshelf system of claim 1, wherein one of said at least two ledges aredisposed on said lower surface of said mounting member disposedproximate a joint formed at an intersection of said mounting member andeach one of said pair of stacking members on a first side of each ofsaid pair of stacking members and one of said at least two ledges isdisposed on said lower surface disposed proximate said intersection on asecond side of each one of said pair of stacking members.
 4. Thebookshelf system of claim 2, wherein said joint is reinforced.
 5. Thebookshelf system of claim 3, wherein said joint is reinforced.
 6. Thebookshelf system of claim 1, further comprising at least one mountingaperture disposed on said mounting member.
 7. The bookshelf system ofclaim 1, further comprising a mounting structure disposed on saidmounting member.
 8. The bookshelf system of claim 1, wherein said atleast two ledges are L-shaped.
 9. The bookshelf system of claim 1,wherein each of said at least two ledges extends below each of saidlower surfaces.
 10. The bookshelf system of claim 1, wherein saidmounting member is generally rectangular.